Fans, loved ones honor Rick Martin

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The turnout at HSBC Arena Thursday morning showed just how much Rick Martin meant to the Sabres fans and the community.

Thousands arrived at HSBC Arena to honor the Sabres legend.

  >>  Rick Jeanneret, the French Connection, and Martin's brother Robert speak about Rick Martin

Martin died earlier this month, after having a heart attack while driving his car in Clarence.

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On the way into the arena, fans remembered Martin for his moments with the French Connection and the big role he played in the community.

One fan spoke about when he had the chance to meet Martin, "When you're around greatness you become tongue tied."

A woman who worked at a restaurant Martin would visit said, "Everybody was totally in awe of him, it was really a nice feeling. They were what stars, I want to say, should be."